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ISSN 2063-5346
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EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NURSE-LED SUPPORT GROUPS FOR PATIENTS

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Naflaa Laila Arman Alruwili, Ashwaq Saleh Qayyadh Alruwaili, Furjah Hulayyil A Alanazi, Ohud Saud Alruwaili, Fizah Naiaf M Alrowali, Kholoud Hassan A Aljohani, Faizah Saleh Alanazi, Alanazi, Nawal Fahad M, Rasha Alfahhat Madhi Alanazi, Fatimah Alwandi Mayof Alruwaili
» doi: 10.53555/ecb/2022.11.7.69

Abstract

Nurse-led support groups have become increasingly popular as a means of providing psychosocial support to patients facing various health challenges. This review article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led support groups for patients in improving their overall well-being and health outcomes. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2021. The inclusion criteria were studies that focused on nurse-led support groups for patients with diverse medical conditions. A total of 25 studies were included in the review, encompassing a wide range of patient populations and support group interventions. The findings suggest that nurse-led support groups play a crucial role in enhancing patients' emotional well-being, reducing feelings of isolation, and improving coping mechanisms. Patients participating in these groups reported increased social support, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Moreover, nurse-led support groups were associated with improved treatment adherence and health outcomes in various chronic illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The supportive environment created by nurses facilitated open communication, sharing of experiences, and mutual encouragement among group members. However, challenges such as patient attrition, lack of standardized protocols, and limited resources were identified in some studies, highlighting the need for further research and development in this area. Future studies should focus on evaluating the long-term effects of nurse-led support groups, exploring the optimal group size and duration, and assessing the cost-effectiveness of implementing such interventions in healthcare settings. In conclusion, nurse-led support groups have shown promising results in enhancing the psychosocial well-being and health outcomes of patients across various medical conditions. These groups provide a valuable platform for patients to connect, share experiences, and receive emotional support from both healthcare professionals and peers. Further research is warranted to establish guidelines for the implementation and evaluation of nurse-led support groups in clinical practice.

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